get online imagery into map with FDO?

[JamesMaeding]

With other GIS software, ESRI and Manifold, I can get images for an area using online sources.

I understand someone wrote the tools to make that happen, but can this be done for Map too?

So I don;t want to download images first, then pull into acad, I want them to download straight from GE.

If you figure out the url codes, you could write your own.

And since they are easy to figure out, has anyone done this that can share it?

[JamesMaeding]

I noticed Plex.earth does this, but the free Mobile Atlas Creator tool does it for many data sources (some were removed recently though).

[Anonymous]

For Web Mapping Services (wms) connections that Data Connect tool (FDO) you can do what you are talking about.  Except I don't know if the actual GE server will let you in.  

This is what autodesk helpd shows as representative wms sources: http://docs.autodesk.com/CIV3D/2012/ENU/filesMUG/GUID-1B5EFA15-225A-43B9-95F5-ADCD1F677F1-194.htm#GU...

I've found this one to really good, which goes county by county (where available) http://imsortho.cr.usgs.gov:80/wmsconnector/com.esri.wms.Esrimap/USGS_EDC_Ortho_Indiana?version=1.3....

so paste that in the url line in the wms data connect window.

[JamesMaeding]

I tried with no luck.  Every server gave some kind of error.

I did not enter a username and password, is that usually necessary?

The help from adesk had a video showing the process, but the link is no good.

I have seen more bad help links from adesk in the past few days than in my whole previous life.

they must be juggling things around.

[Anonymous]

- on that login you just enter past that without putting in any use/pass data

- the wms was a big hassle for me until recently, but the payoff has been huge.  what works for me is to run QGIS (free open source download - very easy to learn) or Glbal Mapper alongside C3D.  those are a lot faster to test the wms server connection.  this let's you know if it's the connection or your program yielding the error.  Plus a big help dealing with shape files, etc. 

- Global mapper has wms ~hundred data sources that work when you select them.  you can save the screem area as a geotiff at whatever resolution.  this is the best workflow if you don't want the worry of wms working or not.  global mapper is a deal for the $ - highly advise doing the 30 day trial just to get at all the wms sources - eventually fdo will catch up as users #'s increase

- in that url i gave you the " ..."  was added to the hyperlink.  paste that in notepad and remove that and maybe  try again.

[Jonathan3891]

I use ArcGIS for AutoCAD 250.

It only works on Autocad 2010 - 2011

http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcgis-for-autocad/download.html

[NateMoore]

The USGS link above worked OK for me (I tried Noble County).  You don't need a username or password, and it may take a minute to load.  There were definately some goings-on behind the scenes with links last week, but things seem ok for me now.

[Jonathan3891]

A few quick tips on the ArcGIS toolbar for Autocad:

1. The toolbar doesnt reconize AutoCAD coordinate systems. You will need to setup a coordinate system with Autocad AND ArcGIS. Under the manage tab, click the down arrow next to the globe > assign coordinate system.

2. If your not zoomed to the area where you need a map or what ever and you try to add a map, you will get an error saying "unable to connect to map server". Best bet is to create a point file, and import the point so you know where your in the correct area before adding a map.

3. After you add a map, turn off the dynamic setting so you can move around, zoom, etc. Other wise the map will regenerate every time you move...and it will get annoying. To do this > Manage Tab > Map Services > Uncheck "Dynamic"

4. If you add a map and the screen is white, then you are zoomed in too far. Zoom out and refresh the map until the image appears. To refrsh the map > Navigate tab > refresh map.

I hope all that is helpful. Sooner or later I'm going to do a write up on how to use the ArcGIS for AutoCAD.

[JamesMaeding]

ah, those are exactly items i was looking at, so thx.

BTW, the arcgis for acad does work for 2012, 64 bit no less, maybe a recent update.

[Jonathan3891]

The 2012 release must be fairly new.

Glad I could help.

[JamesMaeding]

slick, working well!

now I'm looking to see if you can save the images as jpg...

[JamesMaeding]

found the button, this is just too cool.

I've been using MOBAC for this but had to position the images myself.

I'd like to learn how to do an in-house server now.

[Jonathan3891]

Yes you can convert the image to jpeg.

On the map services pannel, the second button across the top next to the drop down says "disconnect map and convert to image".

If you have multiple maps in your drawing, make sure you select which one you want to convert to an image in that drop down box.

Sense this was what you were looking for, do you mind accepting my post as the solution?

[Jonathan3891]

If your having to netload the ArcGIS toolbar evertyime you open AutoCAD, I've attached a lisp that will automatically launch to toolbar.